decapitation

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)Beheading; the act of beheading or decapitating.

   “If the headsman's axe was sharp and his aim was true, decapitation was a quick and relatively painless form of death.”

   “The tortoise, possessing, like the serpent, the power of retaining life in its limbs after mutilation or decapitation, became a symbol of androgynity as well as of immortality.”

2. (countable, uncountable)The ousting or destruction of the ruling body of a government or other organization.

   “A decapitation strike carried out by drone killed many of the country's senior generals.”

   “Even those who welcome the decapitation of the Iranian regime may feel deep unease about America’s behavior.”

3. (countable, uncountable)The unseating of a senior politician.

   “The decapitation of the Foreign Secretary was a significant publicity coup for the opposition.”

   “The Lib Dem contender hoping to accomplish a bit of pre-emptive decapitation is Andrew Crawford.”

   “Some also thought that the Lib Dem decapitation strategy had kept him cornered in his constituency during the campaign, unable to play a wider role.”

   “Nearing 2.30, stoking fears of a disastrous night for the Lib Dems, the Tories achieved their first "decapitation" ‑ a visibly shocked Lembit Opik, in once-safe Montgomeryshire ‑ while evading their own biggest risk of high-profile embarrassment: Oliver Letwin held Dorset West.”